Reservist Training Course interact with Virgin Radio
Another fifteen day Reservist Training Course has taken place at RAF Halton, run by Initial Force Protection Flight, IFPT. It is the first time reservists have not trained alongside regular personnel, normally held at Bramley training area, with a lesson planned by Cpl Jock Charity, himself a reservist. The training was carried out at RAF Halton in the wooded training area in freezing cold weather.
The RAF Reserves entered into a media partnership with Virgin Media, AOL and Yahoo to promote recruitment within the RAF Reserves. The partnership saw DJs from Virgin Radio’s Breakfast show and TalkSPORT undertake four ‘challenges’ to bring the RAF Reserves roles and lifestyle to life on their radio shows. Breakfast show DJ’s, Sam Pinkham and Amy Voce and TalkSport DJ, Sam Matterface arrived at the Station and were kitted out in Clothing Stores before being skilfully guided through the weapons serials by Sgt Charity and Sgt Mark Boole.
The first of their challenges took place after the DJs were introduced to the RAF Reserves through joining and experiencing elements of the Basic Recruit Training Course.
Jock said: “This was the first CPT course we have done without going with the regulars to Bramley, and it is the most positive feedback I have received from the course evaluation forms, they really enjoyed the final day round robin. They did find the course tough going due to early starts and all the days were full on training with the fire and manoeuvre lanes, which they also found testing but rewarding and it gave them a good buzz. The visiting DJ’s really joined in and were a lot of fun.”
As it was the first one since joint training with the regulars, I was optimistic but quietly confident that I had planned a good exercise, which turned out to be the case. The recruits and DJ’s just got on with it and the next graduation is on 24 March just a small parade in the hanger with a Group Captain as Reviewing Officer, but it is a bit of satisfaction for them passing as all 41 of them were successful.”
Group Captain Wendy Rothery, Recruiting and Selection, said: “Though in its infancy, the media partnership initiative has been given a tremendous boost by Halton’s team and we could not have asked for better ambassadors for the day. Without RAF Halton’s support none of this would have been possible.”
If you would like to discuss a career with the Reservists you can go online or visit your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office.
